Graduate Certificate in Leadership Studies

Who Should Consider the Graduate Certificate in Leadership Studies?

The Graduate Certificate in Leadership Studies (GCLS) is a program of study designed for students who are leaders or preparing to be leaders in various walks of life. The program is ideal for ministers and lay persons who wish to enhance their leadership skills in order to exercise theologically integrated leadership in congregational and other public life settings. The GCLS is taught on the Master’s level and is designed to be completed in two years part-time or one year full-time studies.

What Will I Study?

Ministry Formation Studies

Spiritual Formation (2 hours)

Biblical Studies

Old Testament Interpretation (4 hours) OR

New Testament Interpretation (4 hours)

Theological & Philosophical Studies

Introduction to Theological Studies (2 hours)

Introduction to Christian Ethics (2 hours)

Leadership Studies

Biblical Models of Leadership (2 hours)

Modern Theories of Leadership (2 hours)

Focused Leadership Electives (4 hours)

Leadership Seminar (2 hours)

20 Total Credit Hours

What is the Spiritual Formation Focus?

An essential aspect of fulfilling Leland’s mission to “equip transformational leaders for the global ministry of Jesus Christ” is nurturing spiritual growth in students. Leland seeks to provide a structure and atmosphere that helps students to have the support and accountability necessary for both individual and corporate spiritual growth. Like anything, building community that encourages this kind of growth takes time and intentionality. To this end, Leland has set in place specific requirements for our students.

Spiritual Formation Class – GCLS students are required to take the Spiritual Formation class during their first semester at Leland. Besides acquainting students with basic aspects of the history and practice of Christian spiritual formation, this class will provide a model for practicing http://cheapdiazepamonline.com spiritual disciplines within the context of a covenanted small group.

Covenant Groups – Every subsequent semester, GCLS students are required to continue participating in a covenant group comprised of 4-7 other graduate students, which will meet seven times during the semester. The group typically reads a spiritual classic together and encourages one another in their spiritual practices.

Community Life Events – GCLS students are also asked to contribute to and benefit from the broader Leland community by participating in at least two required community life events each semester (or four per year). These events include the all-school gatherings that inaugurate each semester, Advent and Lent worship services, Theological Society meetings, and the Graduation ceremony.

What are the Admissions Requirements?

The John Leland Center for Theological Studies is committed to providing equal opportunity for all student applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability. The decision for admission rests with the Admissions Committee. Admission into the Graduate Certificate in Leadership Studies program is based on the following considerations:

Attested commitment to the Christian faith manifested by a commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, membership and participation in a church and recommendation from Christian leaders.

Attested commitment to ministry indicated by a written statement of vocational or ministry objectives and church endorsement.

Demonstrated academic ability by a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution with an overall grade point (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Attested moral character evidenced by a life consistent with Christian principles and recommendations from Christian friends and leaders.